Joan Harnisch

Joan (Boes) Harnisch, 93 of Plattsburgh, NY, went to her eternal reward on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
She was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on February 20, 1932, the daughter of Edward V. and Mary Stella (Ritter) Boes. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Eleanor Lorditch, Katherine Swift, Sr. Virginia Boes, Sr. Margaret Boes, Edward W., Madeline Neatrour, John Boes, and James Boes, and two grandchildren, Matthew and Jacinta Harnisch.
She graduated from Georgetown University School of Nursing with her degree as a Registered Nurse. She then served 2 years in the Air Force with a portion of this time as an AF Flight Nurse and as the Head Nurse of the Labor and Delivery Ward. In 1955 she married Maurice R. Harnisch, an Air Force Supply Officer and Pharmacist, while they were both stationed at Dow Air Force Base in Bangor, Maine. They were married for 69 years and Maurice preceded Joan in death in 2024.
Joan was a parishioner at St. John’s church where she proudly volunteered for many years. She was active in the Catholic Church and enjoyed time spent in parish activities.
Favorite pastimes were going on short car rides with her husband to enjoy nature.
Joan was very proud of her family and grandchildren. Her 3 children and their children include: Dr. David (Patricia) Harnisch; their children: David Jr. (Jen) Harnisch, John Sr. (April) Harnisch, Patricia (Walter) Scott, Joshua (Holly) Harnisch, Zenovia (Jacob) Bucher, Luke (Katherine) Harnisch, and Bernadette (Joseph) Herder; and their 24 grandchildren.
Additionally, her oldest daughter is Jean Harnisch, and her children are Elizabeth Dunham, Michael (Lina) Robertson, Benjamin (Susette) Robertson, and John Robertson.
The youngest daughter, Renee (Bill) Rhino, and their children: Will Rhino and Nick (Andrea) Rhino.
A mass and funeral service will be celebrated in Joan’s honor at St Columbkille Church in Omaha with interment next to her husband at the Omaha National Cemetery in Omaha, Nebraska.